The vehicle dossier US · 2001

2001 Kia
SPORTAGEProblems & recalls

228 distinct owner reports in the NHTSA snapshot. Fuel system appears in 62 of them. Explore what was reported—and which official actions are on file.

Snapshot Sep 28, 2026Live NHTSA complaint API How this dossier is compiled

01 / Owner-reported evidence

What owners reported.

Categories attached to 228 distinct reports. A report can mention more than one component, so category totals can overlap.

Fuel system62 reports
Other components49 reports
Engine46 reports
Brakes27 reports
Body & structure24 reports
Electrical system23 reports
Transmission & drivetrain22 reports
Suspension20 reports
Air bags20 reports
Visibility17 reports
Steering5 reports
See original component labels
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE24
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE15
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM13
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL12
VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS10
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING10
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION9
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC9
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM8
SUSPENSION8
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS8
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM8
UNKNOWN OR OTHER7
EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER7
STRUCTURE:BODY7
AIR BAGS7
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE7
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL6
SEAT BELTS6
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE5
TIRES5
EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:RADIO/TAPE DECK/CD ETC.5
STRUCTURE5
SUSPENSION:FRONT4
POWER TRAIN4
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE4
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:ROTOR3
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH3
INTERIOR LIGHTING3
SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:RECLINER3
EQUIPMENT3
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:FILLER PIPE AND CAP3
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING3
EXTERIOR LIGHTING3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER3
POWER TRAIN:TRANSFER CASE (4-WHEEL DRIVE)3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL:CATALYTIC CONVERTOR3
SUSPENSION:FRONT:WHEEL BEARING3
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CRUISE CONTROL3
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:FAN3
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER3
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP2
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:ENGINE:GASOLINE:BELTS AND ASSOCIATED PULLEYS2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC2
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY2
STEERING2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY2
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS2
STEERING:LINKAGES:ARM:IDLER AND ATTACHMENT2
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION2
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS2
POWER TRAIN:AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION:PARK/NEUTRAL START INTERLOCK SWITCH1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FUSES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:DISC:PADS1
AIR BAGS:SIDE/WINDOW1
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS1
SEATS1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:WIRING:FRONT UNDERHOOD1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST1
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:CABLES1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS1
POWER TRAIN:MANUAL TRANSMISSION1
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL:AUTOMATIC (ASC)1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:DISC:ROTOR1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:MOTOR1
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE1
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL1
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER:LINKAGES1
EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HAZARD FLASHING WARNING LIGHTS1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:BUCKLE ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:WINDSHIELD WIPER/WASHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:FUEL INJECTION SYSTEM:INJECTORS1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:HUB1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:ALTERNATOR/GENERATOR/REGULATOR1
POWER TRAIN:DRIVELINE:DRIVESHAFT1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:IGNITION:SWITCH1
SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER1
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY1
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:POWER ASSIST:HYDRAULIC:HOSES, LINES/PIPING, AND FITTINGS1
SUSPENSION:MULTIPLE AXLE:TORQUE ARM1
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:12V/24V/48V BATTERY:CABLES1
POWER TRAIN:CLUTCH ASSEMBLY1
VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY1
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:TAILGATE:LATCH1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE ASSEMBLY:AXLE SHAFT1
POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS1
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR:ANTILOCK1
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY:MOUNTING1
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM:FAN/MOTOR1
SUSPENSION:REAR1
TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM1
SUSPENSION:FRONT:STABILIZER BAR1
TIRES:SIDEWALL1
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:RETRACTOR1
ENGINE1
WHEELS1

These are reports made to NHTSA, not verified diagnoses. More reports can reflect more vehicles, more time on the road, or greater reporting activity.

The reporting timeline

When reports arrived.

Reports by year filed, not by the year a problem occurred. Showing the latest 15 years with reports.

Year filed (last two digits)Latest report: Mar 29, 2018
Mileage, where supplied

65,500 miles is the median among 125 reports with usable mileage. The middle half spans 35,488–92,000 miles.

This describes the submitted reports. It does not predict when a vehicle will fail.

02 / Official safety campaigns

2 recall campaigns on file.

A campaign can cover only certain production dates or configurations. The count does not tell you whether an individual car has an open recall.

May 11, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTSCampaign 09E025000

Reported concern

DOPE, INC. IS RECALLING 42,540 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

DOPE, INC. WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 28, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT DOPE, INC. AT 1-626-272-1798.

Read campaign 09E025000 at NHTSA
Apr 7, 2009 Safety recallEXTERIOR LIGHTINGCampaign 09E012000

Reported concern

SABERSPORT IS RECALLING 16,270 COMBINATION CORNER AND BUMPER LAMP ASSEMBLIES OF VARIOUS PART NUMBERS SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE HEADLAMPS FAIL TO CONFORM TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 108, "LAMPS, REFLECTIVE DEVICES, AND ASSOCIATED EQUIPMENT." THESE LAMPS DO NOT CONTAIN THE REQUIRED AMBER SIDE REFLECTORS.

Manufacturer’s stated response

SABERSPORT WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND OFFER A FULL REFUND FOR THE NONCOMPLIANT COMBINATION LAMPS. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 11, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SABERSPORT AT 1-909-598-7589.

Read campaign 09E012000 at NHTSA
Check this car’s VIN at NHTSA

03 / The manufacturer’s record

Instructions. Updates. Responses.

13 distinct communications list this model-year. Showing the latest 12. A matching model-year does not establish that every engine, trim or reported symptom is covered.

Sep 13, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_BOD055_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin…NHTSA ID 10201529

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: INFORMATION FOR HEADLAMP CONDENSATION AND MOISTURE - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides information relating to some Kia models that may exhibit fogging, condensation, and/or moisture inside a headlamp assembly. Generally, a fogging condition is considered normal and can be eliminated by turning on the headlamps with the engine running for up to 30 minutes or during normal driving conditions. Headlamp assembly replacement WILL NOT be necessary in most cases.

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING · STRUCTURE. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10201529 at NHTSA
Feb 3, 2021 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB_ELE220_R1TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar…NHTSA ID 10187727

TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN: SERVICE ACTION: FRONT CAMERA OPERATION LOGIC IMPROVEMENT (SA449) - This bulletin has been revised to include additional information. New/revised sections of this bulletin are indicated by a black bar in the margin area. This bulletin provides the procedure to update the software of the Front Camera (FR_CMR) on some Sportage (QL) vehicles, produced from December 19, 2018 through December 3, 2020, to minimize the sensitivity of the Lane Departure Warning (LDW) / Lane Keep Assist (LKA) system.

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: SENSING SYSTEM: CAMERA. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10187727 at NHTSA
Mar 2, 2018 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS539PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.NHTSA ID 10133170

PITSTOP - ENGINE COMPONENT RE-USE GUIDELINES - In general, parts and components removed during engine repairs should be considered serviceable, and should be thoroughly cleaned and transferred to the new engine.

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10133170 at NHTSA
Jan 18, 2017 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085R1TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.?…NHTSA ID 10109812

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners, which are designed to lock into place once fully attached, are utilized in various Kia models and are strictly intended for ?one time use.? Some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.? It is critical for technicians to be aware that ALL such locking fasteners, regardless of type, are for ?one time use? only.

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · EQUIPMENT:MECHANICAL. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109812 at NHTSA
Nov 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsTSB-GEN085TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft …NHTSA ID 10109777

TSB: MANDATORY REPLACEMENT OF LOCKING/SECURITY HARDWARE - By design, certain fasteners utilized in various Kia models are strictly intended for ?one time use?. Though not limited to the following, some examples are: axle shaft nuts with stake collar, cotter pins, washers with locking tabs and other similar hardware, including threaded fasteners with pre-applied ?thread-locking adhesives.?

Components: EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10109777 at NHTSA
Apr 4, 2016 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsPS443TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their …NHTSA ID 10183431

TSB - USE OF AFTERMARKET USB CHARGING CABLES IN USB/12V PORTS - This article provides information regarding the use of USB ports and 12V power outlets to connect/charge mobile phones. Customers may experience issues with their head units that may be related to the use of aftermarket USB charging cables, including; * Electrical interference and limited or no functionality when attempting to play music, or when charging a device through the USB port * Excessive static or noise when listening to the audio source * Malfunctions and screen freeze of the head unit screen * Slow down of the system response while device is plugged in * Music will not play from iPhone 5 or 6 with Kia iPod cable and aftermarket adapter * No or limited functionality when trying to play music from an Apple device

Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · EQUIPMENT · EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10183431 at NHTSA
Aug 28, 2008 Service Bulletin/Repair InstructionsKT-2008082201KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PENHTSA ID 10026726

KIA: ALL MODELS. ARTICLE PROVIDES INFORMATION RELATING TO THE IMPROVED DURABILITY OF BULB LIFE FOR REAR COMBINATION BULB; REAR STOP LAMP/TAIL LAMP BULB UTILIZED ON MULTIPLE KIA MODELS. *PE

Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING:BRAKE LIGHTS · EXTERIOR LIGHTING:TAIL LIGHTS · PARKING BRAKE:INDICATOR LIGHT. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10026726 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2004 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions76FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TTNHTSA ID 10015753

FUEL PUMP RELAYS & EMISSIONS FAILURES. KIA TECHNICIAN TIMES. *TT

Components: FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 10015753 at NHTSA
May 21, 2001 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions42INFORMATION REGARDING ABS SYSTEM VENDOR CHANGE. *ETNHTSA ID 625223

INFORMATION REGARDING ABS SYSTEM VENDOR CHANGE. *ET

Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 625223 at NHTSA
Mar 1, 2001 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions007RTHIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A CHANGE TO THE SPORTAGE 4WD HUB SEALS. *TTNHTSA ID 619141

THIS BULLETIN PROVIDES INFORMATION ON A CHANGE TO THE SPORTAGE 4WD HUB SEALS. *TT

Components: POWER TRAIN:AXLE HUBS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 619141 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2001 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions45SUBJECT ON SPORTAGE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR. *ETNHTSA ID 626053

SUBJECT ON SPORTAGE REAR WINDOW REGULATOR. *ET

Components: VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 626053 at NHTSA
Jan 1, 2001 Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions43SUBJECT REGARDING THERMOSTAT MONITORING UPDATE. *TTNHTSA ID 622215

SUBJECT REGARDING THERMOSTAT MONITORING UPDATE. *TT

Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:COOLING SYSTEM:RADIATOR ASSEMBLY. Confirm detailed applicability in the original document.

Source record 622215 at NHTSA
Browse all manufacturer records by page

Records below contain the NHTSA bulk summary unless a document-reviewed explainer is linked. A service bulletin is not a safety recall or a promise of a free repair. Records may be revised or superseded; verify the current document with the manufacturer.

04 / Agency investigations

Official inquiries.

An investigation is an inquiry into a potential concern. Its presence does not establish a defect, and a closed case does not certify a car’s condition.

Opened May 9, 2006 ClosedFUEL TANK LEAKAGEEA06007

A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT TREND HAS NOT BEEN IDENTIFIED AT THIS TIME.REVIEW OF THE WARRANTY DATA REVEALED ELEVATED TANK LEAKAGE EXPERIENCE IN VEHICLES PRODUCED FROM JUNE 1999 TO OCTOBER 2000.ANALYSIS OF COMPLAINTS AND WARRANTY CLAIMS IDENTIFIED MULTIPLE CAUSES AND ORIGINS OF FUEL TANK ASSEMBLY LEAKAGE.THE MAJORITY OF COMPLAINTS INVOLVE NON-SPECIFIC ALLEGATIONS OF FUEL LEAKAGE WHERE MORE THAN ONE FUEL SYSTEM COMPONENT WAS REPLACED.ODI'S ANALYSIS FOCUSED ON LEAKS OCCURRING ON THE UNDERSIDE OF THE TANK DUE TO CORROSIVE FAILURE CAUSED BY DISRUPTION OF THE PROTECTIVE PVC COATING.THE ANALYSISINDICATES THAT SUCH LEAKS ARE RARE AND DO NOT SHOW EVIDENCE OF AN INCREASING TREND. ACCORDINGLY, THIS INVESTIGATION IS CLOSED.THE CLOSING OF THIS INVESTIGATION DOES NOT CONSTITUTE A FINDING BY NHTSA THAT A SAFETY-RELATED DEFECT DOES NOT EXIST.THE AGENCY WILL TAKE FURTHER ACTION IF WARRANTED BY THE CIRCUMSTANCES. SEE DOCUMENT FILE FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REGARDING THIS RESUME.

Recorded closure: Nov 30, 2007

Find investigation EA06007
Opened Oct 14, 2003 ClosedSEAT BELT BUCKLE FALSE LATCH/MALFUNCTIONRQ03007

INFORMATION RECEIVED AND ANALYZED DURING THIS RQ DISCLOSED THAT MY 1999 AND 2000 KIA SEPHIA AND SPORTAGE VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH MODIFIED VERSIONS OF THE SAME SAFETY BELT LATCH ASSEMBLY AS THOSE RECALLED IN CAMPAIGN NO. 02V-216.THESE LATCH ASSEMBLIES WERE IDENTIFIED AS TYPE A97. ODI ANALYSES INDICATE A CONTINUING TREND OF CONSUMER COMPLAINTS FOLLOWING A SERIES OF DESIGN MODIFICATIONS MADE BY KIA TO IMPROVE THE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLY.MY 2001 AND 2002 SUBJECT VEHICLES WERE EQUIPPED WITH DIFFERENT DESIGN LATCH ASSEMBLIES (TYPE DB-6 OR AUTOLIV) AND EXHIBIT A MUCH LOWER COMPLAINT COUNT.THIS RQ HAS BEEN UPGRADED TO AN EA IN ORDER TO FURTHER INVESTIGATE THIS MATTER FOR THE SUBJECT VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH TYPE A97 LATCH ASSEMBLIES.

Recorded closure: Feb 27, 2004

Campaign reference in the source: 04V305000

Find investigation RQ03007

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